Historical Marker

Lugar Inicial De Mision De Socorro

Historical marker location:
492 Buford Road, Socorro, Texas
( east side of Nicholas Road, south of Buford Road)
Marker installed: 2004
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Despues de 80 anos de ocupacion Espanola, el group indigena Pueblo del Norte de Nuevo Mexico, se alzo en contra de los Espanoles, expulsandolos por un lapso de 12 anos. Los refugiados Espanoles, asi como algunos miembros de otras tribus de Nuevo Mexico, siguieron el Rio Bravo hacia el sureste, llegando al area del Paso del Norte, donde establecieron misiones y nuevos asentamientos. El 13 de Octubre de 1680, fue fundada la Mision Santa Maria de Socorro del Sur por los Franciscanos, aunque el lugar original se desconoce. Para 1684, en este mismo lugar los residentes de Socorro acudian a un santuario temporal. En 1691 se construyo una mision iglesia permanente la cual fue dedicada como Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion de los Piros de Socorro del Sur. Su construccion era de adobe con vigas sosteniendo el techo. Un pueblo indigena Piro quedaba a aproximadamente 183 metros al noreste de la iglesia y el asentamiento misionero incluia Espanoles y Piros, asi como indigenas Tano y Jemez. Los registros indican que el sitio fue utilizado hasta la decada de 1740, cuando por inundacion fue destruido. El cauce del Rio Bravo cambio al sur hacia Mexico despues de una inundacion en 1829, y la actual Mision de Socorro fue construida en la decada de 1840 a 804.67 metros al noreste de este lugar. Expertos asociados con la Universidad de Texas en El Paso realizaron investigaciones arqueologicas a principios de los 1980. Sus hallazgos incluyen los restos de los muros de la iglesia, los cuales indican que esta fue construida en forma de cruz, asi como algunos otros artefactos que se estima pertenecen a la epoca de 1680. Hoy dia, el sitio inicial de la mision, la mas antigua mision conocida en Texas, es protegida como Patrimonio Arqueologico del Estado. (2004)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

archeology missions
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
El Paso County, Texas, has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache, Comanche, and Jumano tribes. They lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading. The first recorded European exploration of the region occurred in 1581 when Juan de Oñate claimed the area for Spain.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, El Paso County became an important stopping point along the Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico City with Santa Fe. Spanish settlers established the town of San Elizario in 1789 as a waystation for travelers. The settlement grew as more people arrived, including Mexican and American traders, and it became a center for ranching and farming.

In the mid-19th century, El Paso County experienced significant changes brought about by the Mexican-American War and the subsequent Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. With the establishment of the new border between Mexico and the United States, El Paso became a strategic area for trade and military operations. Fort Bliss, one of the oldest Army posts in the Southwest, was established in the area in 1848 to protect American settlers and the new border.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, El Paso County experienced a population boom due to the growth of mining, agriculture, and the railroad industry. The city of El Paso, which was incorporated in 1873, played a pivotal role in these developments. As a border town, it served as a gateway for trade with Mexico and witnessed significant cultural and demographic changes as diverse groups of immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunities.

Today, El Paso County continues to be an important region characterized by a unique blend of cultures, influenced by its rich history and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border. With a population of over 800,000, it is a vibrant center of commerce, education, and tourism, attracting visitors from both sides of the border and beyond.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of El Paso County, Texas.

  • 1682: Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate claims the El Paso area for Spain.
  • 1827: El Paso del Norte is established as a new Mexican border town.
  • 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, transferring the El Paso region from Mexico to the United States.
  • 1850: El Paso becomes part of the newly formed Texas state.
  • 1881: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches El Paso, spurring rapid growth and development.
  • 1888: El Paso County is officially organized, with El Paso as the county seat.
  • 1909: The Chamizal dispute is resolved, confirming the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico.
  • 1916: The Mexican Revolution spills over into El Paso County, resulting in military clashes and tension along the border.
  • 1924: The construction of the iconic Paso del Norte International Bridge is completed, further strengthening El Paso's role as a major border crossing.
  • 1951: The Korean War leads to increased military presence in El Paso County, with the establishment of Fort Bliss.
  • 1963: The El Paso Museum of Art is opened, showcasing a diverse collection of artwork from around the world.
  • 1993: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is implemented, further boosting trade and economic activity in El Paso County.